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Tignes, France

Tignes is situated at an altitude of 2100m sharing the same skiing area as Val d'Isere It is a modern, unattractive resort lacking in any charm. But that doesn't stop afficionados coming here year after year. The resort is split into 5 villages all connected by efficient bus connections and ultra modern lift systems. The highest village is Val Claret (2100m), it is set at the foot of the Grande Motte glacier and is surrounded by imposing mountains and breathtaking scenery. Le Lac (2000m), and Le Lavachet (2000m), are nearby and Les Boisses (at 1850m) and the old village Les Brevieres (1550m) are lower down the mountain. Val d'Isère is situated just 10km away forming L'Espace Killy one of the largest single ski areas in Europe.

Tignes is reknowned for the fact that it offers some of the best skiing in the world; that takes priority over anything else. In the lower resorts (les Boisses and les Brevières) there is a cosier more village-like feel. The other resorts offer some good bars and several excellent restaurants.

The Skiing: In total the "Espace Killy" consists of over 300km of pistes and over 100 of the fastest and most modern chairlifts. At its highest point the Grande Motte glacier (at 3656m) offers 365 days of skiing a year. Although there are free runs for beginners the resort is best suited to intermediates, advanced skiers and boarders, with lots of opportunity for off-piste and tree runs, as well as some serious powder due to Tignes' altitude and reliable snowfall. The maximum skiable vertical of 1900m (6234 feet) is one of the largest in the world

The resort is busy, but so well organised that there are rarely noteworthy lift queues. Wherever your accommodation is it will always be near the lifts. Areas worth visiting are the glacier, the Aiguille Percée (which has recently had a new linking chairlift added) and The Wall (a steep drop-off from the glacier, off-piste and better done with a guide).